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PC Help

By Tony Angiola
Field Technician

It's only a matter of time, regardless how new or how well maintained our computers are, we all run into computer issues sooner or later. Luckily getting PC help these days is a lot easier and we don't have to face problems all alone. There are a ton of online sites available to show us how to fix computer issues but it may take a little study and practice to learn how to access them. This article will show you how.

 

1. Don't forget pc help files. It's amusing, but people tend to forget that every PC and every application installed on a machine comes with its own help section. Even the main operating system of a PC has a help file and it is the first place to look for answers. Help files are structured not only to direct the use of a PC but they are also designed to resolve issues. Inside a help file, look for a section called, "Troubleshooting" (or something similar) where you come across a problem and a resolution. This area is designated for solving issues directly related to the software or hardware that you're working with.

 

 

2. Product websites. If you're having an issue with a software program or with a hardware part, try the website of that software's or hardware's manufacturer. Most (if not all) manufacturers keep a portion of cyberspace and reserve it to support the programs that they design. Microsoft's help desk is good example.

 

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3. Fan sites. Fan sites does not seem like a good name for this part, but you can find websites that are devoted to supporting the users of a particular software application or type of hardware. We've called them "fan sites" because the maintainers of these sites have no affiliation with the manufacturers that they support! Sounds like some people may have too much time on their hands, but their free help is immeasurable and without it, we wouldn't have some of the great workarounds and one of a kind problem solving techniques that we have these days.

 

 

4. Usenet newsgroups. An almost forgotten about and underused resource on the Internet, Usenet newsgroups have hundreds of discussion groups devoted to some of the most used computer systems, operating systems, hardware manufacturers, and individual software programs. Sometimes the representatives of these companies participate, but most of the time, the help in this group is user-to-user. This is just as good because you're dealing with a group of experienced people.

 

 

5. Support Lines. Another way to get help that we shouldn't ignore is the help lines of different manufacturers. You can access these systems by ringing them on the phone number associated with the item that you're having an issue with. Calls may be no charge (1-800 or 1-877 number), or you may have to pay a small fee (1-900).

 

 

6. PC help groups or user groups are another choice for help. These are groups that congregate in libraries, PC retail stores, or other local areas and they talk about all sorts of issues that have to do with a particular item. Even if you aren't experiencing a PC or software issue, user groups are fun to participate in and they can help you connect into other things you may like or need such as job or teaching opportunities.

 

 

7. Shockingly, you may even get a hand from the salespersons at your PC store right around the corner. We don't suggest that you make this your first choice when you experience an issue, but we don't think that you should rule this idea out altogether as well. PC salespersons are hired for a reason - their knowledge.  Many times these kind people can help you resolve a problem over the phone and prevent you from buying a costly answer.

 

 

As you can see, help is simple to find - You've just got to know where to look for it. Most of the contacts found in these resources are very friendly and enjoy taking the time to walk you through a computer issue at little to no expense. From online discussion groups to the data on your own PC, help is usually just a click away.

 

 

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 PC Help